Before I had two kids....

I actually used to do things-like sewing! A few months before Wes came I decided to make this travel highchair that my sister-in-law had. I found a really easy tutorial online (found here) and went to town. I was pleasantly surprised it actually worked. I wanted Zach to try it out for a photo, but of course he won't have it. I might have missed my window by a few months, but Wes will use it for sure. It would be a great easy gift to make. Here are some photos without a kid. Look at the tutorial for better ones.

Happy Birthday Zach!

I can't believe my little buddy turned TWO on the 25th of January! It seems like just yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital. It is truly amazing how fast kids grow in such a short amount of time. He is our little rambunctious, chatterbox and we enjoy everyday with him.


He didn't want to get his hands dirty
What a little heart breaker he will be!


*I have some video of him that I will post shortly.

Wes Nathan Bird

People always love to decide who the new baby looks like: mom, dad, and older siblings... So I wanted to post some newborn pictures of Zach and Wes and let you decide for yourself. We still are having a hard time deciding. Wes definitely has his own look, but reminds me of Zach in many ways; just a lot smaller. He is only one week old and has changed so much. I'm trying to savor these early days that breeze by so fast!

Zach

Zach
Wes
Wes
Wes

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So here is the fun labor story...

Wednesday night I went out with some friends for a much needed "girls night out". We went to the Spectrum and got pedicures and ate to our hearts' content at Ruby's. After contemplating a movie we decided it was a little too late for that; thank goodness because that is when the fun began. On my way home I had two contractions- nothing too bad, but enough to make me nervous driving. When I got home I told Chris I was feeling weird Brackston Hicks. I jokingly said we could have this baby tomorrow. We went to bed and they kept on coming. This was all new to me because I was induced with Zach, so I didn't know if this was the real thing. At 2:00 when they weren't stopping I got up and looked on the internet to see what the real signs of labor were: getting closer together and increasing in intensity-Yep I realized I was in labor. I asked my peacefully sleeping husband to barrow his iphone so I could time them. Starting at 4:00 I timed them for 45 minutes and they were exactly 6 minutes apart lasting 45 seconds. To ease my pain with each contraction, I massaged Chris' shoulders-I swear they have it so good.
I didn't know how long I was to wait but after they were 5 minutes apart I couldn't take it any more. I called my doctor and she said to get there right away. I really wanted to shower before though-bad idea! As soon as I got in the shower they went into turbo mode. I could barely move. I managed to get out after throwing up and called my mom to get over fast. As soon as she arrived we rushed out the door. And just like in the movies, Chris raced to the hospital ran up to the front desk, said, "my wife's in labor we need a wheelchair" He rushed me upstairs and I told them to call the anesthesiologist pronto. After 45 minutes of "you know what", I was finally in heaven! Thank goodness for epidurals! We arrived at 6:15, at 7:15 I was at a 7, and at 8:30 they called the doctor. Wes was born at 9:16. I pushed for one hour with Zach and 10 minutes with Wes. Recovery has been night and day! Wes is such a sweet baby, even though he is still in the baby coma-sleep, eat, poop, he seems to be much more mellow.
Wes was 11 days early and we couldn't imagine one more day without him!

He's here!!!!

WES (middle name to be revealed shortly) BIRD January 7, 2010 9:15am 6 lbs. 11oz. 19.5 inches

These will have to do for now. My usual photographers (aka mom and sister) were busy watching Zach and working so the only pictures we have so far are a select few that Chris managed to get. And please excuse my appearance, I literally got out of the shower and raced to the hospital for fear that I was going to have him in the bathroom (labor story to follow). Let's just say this little guy was ready to come today!
We are so blessed to welcome this little guy into our home!
Stayed tuned for more pictures!!

Merry Christmas!!!!

I know it's late, but we hope everyone had a great holiday! It seems like each year is passing us by. I can't believe that we are expecting #2 in less than 3 weeks. YIKES!! Please wish us luck!

I had to post today because my friend Heather took our family pictures (if you got our card, she did those too) and I couldn't wait to tell you about her. Not only is she a wonderful photographer, but she is also such a sweetheart! You would not be disappointed with her!!! Check out her website www.heatherdickens.com and see what she is all about! Thanks Heather!

I'm finished... finally!

I finished the quiet book for Zach and am never going to sew again! No not really, I actually really love sewing now, I think I just need a break for a while.

"Zach look at mommy!"....

Yeah right! This kid will not hold still for a second. Every picture I have of him is either of his head looking down or he ran out of the picture. It doesn't help that digital cameras were not made for toddlers. But I love all these pictures of Zach trying to pick up every pumpkin he saw!






Petting Zoos gross me out, but Zach was having a blast chasing after the sheep!

Happy Halloween!

One of Chris' many talents is pumpkin carving! Every year he outdoes the last. This year he did the Joker from Batman Returns. I love it! Great job babe!

Call me Crazy...

I decided to make a Quite book for Zach to enjoy during church! Crazy right? Especially for someone who doesn't know how to sew! Well, I was determined and after many months of hard work I am pretty much done. I have a few finishing touches but am pretty pleased with the outcome. This book has opened a whole new love of sewing and crafting. I am definitely no Martha Stewart, but I enjoy the satisfaction of actually making something... I will keep you posted with all my projects! Here are some photos of the pages before I sewed them together. There are a few more that didn't make this photo...


This is the old sewing machine that my mom let me use, it worked pretty good for being so old- I didn't really have anything to compare it to.

BOYS WILL BE BOYS....

I never really understood that saying, until I had ZACH!!! He is definitely all boy! There is no slowing him down, he is either in 1st or 5th gear, no in between!!! I always knew we would have some trips to the ER but I didn't think it would be so soon! Last month on Aug. 16th @ 1:30 pm (I will forever remember this day) Zach was in Nursery at church and fell straight into a door jam, of course he was running!!! He split his head right open, so bad that when he was just about to get the stitches Chris and I looked at each other and said, "Is that his skull?" Never a sight a mother wants to see. After 8 lovely stitches, Chris crowned Zach with the nickname of STITCH. I don't know who this whole ordeal was harder on- Zach or Chris and I? Anyway we survived and I am an even more paranoid mother than before. Can't wait for what he has in store for us next. Here are some pictures of the before and after. I will keep you posted of his changing scar and give you tips as to what gels, creams and oils work best, because we are using them all, (sunscreen is a must)!




My don't mess with me face!!